By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – The 22nd Judicial District Court will be led by a new district attorney by next year, following news this week that D.A. Walter Reed will not seek re-election for a seventh term.
Reed has been the subject of a federal investigation in recent months following revelations that his son had been hired to cater several campaign parties, as well as some questions involving a local hospital where Reed’s brother had been hired.
Reed has been the district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District Court since being elected in 1984. The last three terms have seen Reed win election with no opposition as his power as the top law enforcement official in the region continued to grow.
When Reed met with his staff on Tuesday afternoon and informed them he did not plan to seek re-election in November, he released a statement explaining his decision.
“As you are no doubt aware, the New Orleans news media has repeatedly cast me, my dedicated staff, friends and even my family, in a different and harsher light, making an endless series of allegations regarding my character, and creating unwarranted and obtrusive disruptions in the function of my office.
“These allegations have run the gamut, from accusing me of being too tough on crime and too insistent on getting criminal convictions, to how I spend my private campaign donations, to my brother’s employment at the parish hospital, proving nothing it seems, but alleging everything under the sun.
“As such, it has become apparent to me that such time consuming disruptions will continue. They are not fair to me or the people of St. Tammany and Washington parishes, who have become accustomed to an aggressive and effective District Attorney fully able to focus on the important work of his office.
“In recognition of these facts, I have notified my key supporters that at this moment, I do not intend to qualify for re-election as District Attorney. I did not reach this decision lightly. It was reached in good conscience and with the best interests of the people of the Northshore parishes in mind,” Reed said in his statement.
In recent weeks, several candidates for the Nov. 4 election confirmed they were going to run, making that decision before Reed had gone public with his plans to not enter the race.
Alan Black from Slidell and Roy Burns from Covington were the first to announce two weeks ago that they planned to run for district attorney, then late last week, St. Tammany Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brian Trainor threw his hat in the ring.
Quickly after news went public about Reed’s decision, candidates were already jockeying for position to become the new D.A., and ramping up their campaign rhetoric.
Black, an attorney for over 30 years on the North Shore, said “Our district attorney of 30 years made the right decision today when he announced that he would not seek re-election. This will give the voters of St. Tammany and Washington Parishes sufficient time to evaluate the qualifications of each candidate and decide who will lead this important position and maintain the quality of life our citizens expect.”
Burns, a defense attorney for over 30 years working mostly in the 22nd Judicial District Court, said in his statement “”Whatever Walter’s failings, his decision to end his tenure quietly is the best thing for our parishes. The people need and deserve a justice system they can trust, and the recent federal inquiry into undisclosed allegations of wrongdoing in his administration has irrevocably clouded that trust. Allowing the District Attorney’s Office to move forward without its leader trapped in a political struggle – in addition to his legal difficulties – would have created an undue strain on the system and added additional concerns about the credibility of prosecutions among an already-skeptical public.”
Trainor, the most recent candidate to announce his plans to seek the office, said in his statement, “Today, I read the news reports of District Attorney Walter Reed’s announcement that he will not seek reelection to office this fall. From his comments, it is apparent that this decision was one he made thoughtfully and with careful consideration for the implications it would have on his family and staff.
“During my years at the District Attorney’s office, I came to know well the dedicated men and women who work there. They spend every day ensuring that our criminal justice system operates in a fair and efficient manner. The results of their efforts are unquestioned,” Trainor added.
Parish President Pat Brister, who has served as the top official in the parish during the past year when Coroner Dr. Peter Galvan was convicted of wrongdoing with public funds, and now as Reed awaits what appears to be imminent word from the federal investigation, said she was glad to move forward from the cloud hanging over St. Tammany offices in general.
“I think it is a good decision on his part for the citizens of St. Tammany Parish,” Brister said. “It allows the election to go forward for people entering the race without the cloud of uncertainty and a clearer understanding of going forward now. I think we can move forward with an open field and address the issues in St. Tammany that will help us get to where we want to be.”
Sheriff Jack Strain also weighed in on Reed’s decision, reflecting back on their association over many years.
“Walter Reed has been our District Attorney for most of my 32 year career in law enforcement. During that time, Walter has assembled a highly dedicated team of professionals, each committed to helping keep St. Tammany a safe place. I can honestly say that our parish is a better place for Walter’s efforts and he and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers,” Strain said.
“With Walter’s decision not to seek reelection, I am confident that the men and women of the District Attorney’s office will continue the work he began nearly 30 years ago,” Strain added.
Burns was the only candidate to make critical comments about Reed’s potential problems in the legal system.
“What the voters recognize, however, is that it’s not only important to change the face of the District Attorney but to change the entire complexion of the agency. “Evidence of Louisiana’s machine politics of the past has been rampant on the Northshore in the last few years, and we need to move beyond that, quickly. Washington and St. Tammany Parishes are extraordinary communities and one of the best places to live in our state. We can’t let our resources, our natural beauty and the spirit of our community continue to be tainted by scandal.
“It’s time to move on from insider politics, backroom deals and the mentality of privilege that has led us to this point. I wish Walter well, and look forward to moving ahead with our campaign and with meaningful change for the 22nd Judicial District.” Burns added.
Judge Raymond Childress, who has served for 16 years on the 22nd Judicial Court, said he is seriously considering entering the race, however as of late Tuesday, did not confirm his intentions nor did he comment on Reed’s decision.